How sunglasses are born - The Julbo creative process

Designing and developing a pair of sunglasses, and especially sports sunglasses used in extreme conditions, requires passion, rigor and application. At Julbo, the shared vision of the Design and Research and Development teams ensures successful design and complex development of new models, from the original idea to the final product.

Phase 1 – The idea Freedom is the driving force behind creativity. It comes mainly from discussions and marketing needs but above all from the observations of athletes, users and the sales team in contact with sports and optical stores. The opinions of our Team are particularly important when analysing the extreme use our products will be subject to. It all starts with a visualised product which is then drawn using Julbo's eyewear expertise. The drawings encourage debate and discussion. Ideas often come thick and fast, discussions are productive and result in more concrete proposals: the choice of models to prototype.

Phase 2 – Prototyping Ergonomic requirements in glasses are so important that products must be prototyped with the greatest rigor. The intended styling is then taken into account and developed on the three-dimensional drawing, together with the light lines that have to be shaped and any technical innovations requiring validation. The sunglasses are modelled in two ways:

- Traditional modelling in acetate that is scanned and remodelled in 3 dimensions

- 3D modelling using design software

These virtual models are then produced using fast prototyping (stereolithography, sintering or 3D printer) to test their comfort, functional efficiency and feasibility.

Phase 3 – Design The models or 3D files are passed to the design office. This essential phase is used to produce the molds for each component (front, temples, bridge and accessories) as in the initial project phase while taking account of all constraints related to plastic injection, the combination of parts and quality requirements in terms of lens appearance and optical performance.

Phase 4 – Injection tests Once the mold has been produced, the first injection operations can take place. The quality and compliance of the model are then tested using these unfinished frames. This phase is used to correct the molds if necessary and make any final adjustments.

Phase 5 – Finalization Perceived quality is the primary factor in the success of a model. Finishing is therefore carried out with great care. Significant work is done to research trends in materials, colors and finishes, together with the combination of lenses that will perfectly meet customer requirements.

The model is then ready to be shipped to resellers and used by customers.